To the Editor:

June 5th is on its way, the day we vote. For supervisor of the 2nd district I will cast my own vote for Clif Clendenen.

For one, and it's important, I honor Clif's integrity and trust him. He is positive, never making negative comments about his opponent in this campaign, for instance, and always playing fair.

I've also seen him in action in these past four years. In his time as a supervisor he has been attentive to the needs of Southern Humboldt. Taking his commitment to representation seriously, he appears at a multitude of events here and shows real interest in our concerns. He welcomes input, remaining in continual dialogue over our issues, whether it's bus service, our Community Park, or financing for our local firefighters.

Above all, however, I want Clif elected because he is concerned with protecting working resources here and restoring the land, which is a primary concern of my own. When it comes to growth, I think he will ask the careful, thoughtful questions I want a supervisor to ask before giving the go-ahead to new development. The difference between the candidates as they take positions on the General Plan Update exhibits this, with Clif backing plans that balance sustainability and growth and Estelle Fennell choosing those favoring development per se.

Knowing that owls and salmon, marsh lands and forests can't vote, I cast mine while considering their security and welfare, as well as human well being. All is in the balance, a very tenuous one in an unusual and beautiful California county. I believe that Clif Clendenen is most committed to guarding it. He has my vote.

Marie Raphael

Redway